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Dome Keeper

Dome Keeper’s loop is instantly addictive and is a damn great game to play on the couch. If you’ve got a Steam Deck, you’re definitely going to want to give this game a try.
Dome Keeper Game Cover
85%Game Brain Score
gameplay, music
story, grinding
93% User Score Based on 11,295 reviews
Critic Score 74%Based on 8 reviews

Platforms

LinuxXbox Series X|SPCXbox Game PassWeb BrowserAmazon LunaCloudMac OSXbox Cloud GamingXboxSteam DeckWindows
Dome Keeper Game Cover

About

Dome Keeper is a single player survival role playing game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Bippinbits and was released on September 27, 2022. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

Dome Keeper is a roguelike survival game where you defend your dome from alien attacks and dig for resources between waves. Use the materials and artifacts you find to upgrade your defenses and dig deeper underground. With procedurally generated levels and a variety of enemies, each playthrough offers a unique challenge.

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93%
Audience ScoreBased on 11,295 reviews
gameplay775 positive mentions
story40 negative mentions

  • The game features an immersive atmosphere enhanced by a moody soundtrack and striking pixel art, creating a captivating experience in a mysterious alien world.
  • The gameplay loop is addictive and dynamic, balancing mining and defense mechanics with a variety of upgrades and unlockable content that enhances replayability.
  • The humor and lighthearted tone of the game, along with its quirky characters and amusing scenarios, contribute significantly to its charm and overall enjoyment.
  • Many players find the gameplay repetitive and lacking in depth over time, with some expressing disappointment over the absence of a compelling narrative or progression.
  • The game's graphics and sound design receive mixed reviews, with some criticizing the lack of detail and variety, describing them as simplistic or bland.
  • Stability issues have been reported, including game-breaking glitches and performance problems on lower-end devices, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • gameplay
    1,645 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Dome Keeper is characterized by a simple yet addictive loop that combines mining for resources and defending a dome from waves of enemies. Players appreciate the engaging mechanics, variety of upgrades, and the balance between exploration and combat, although some find the gameplay repetitive after a few runs. Overall, while the game offers a satisfying experience with charming visuals and sound design, many players express a desire for more content and variety to enhance long-term replayability.

    • “The gameplay loop is incredibly addictive and surprisingly diversified.”
    • “I absolutely love the core gameplay loop of balancing frantic mining expeditions with desperate defensive stands against alien waves.”
    • “The gameplay is dynamic, especially once you start unlocking different dome and character types.”
    • “The gameplay gets boring after a while because the unlockables (abilities/game modes) are not exciting enough to keep the gameplay loop from going stale.”
    • “The core gameplay loop is quite repetitive.”
    • “The gameplay loop is simple on the surface but has a lot of depth once you start learning upgrades, timing, and different strategies.”
  • music
    582 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received a mixed but generally positive reception, with many players praising its atmospheric and immersive qualities that enhance the gameplay experience. While some find the soundtrack to be exceptional and fitting for the game's themes, others note that it can be sparse or repetitive at times. Overall, the combination of engaging sound design and a well-crafted soundtrack contributes significantly to the game's charm and appeal, making it a memorable aspect for many players.

    • “The atmosphere is thick with tension, perfectly elevated by a moody and immersive music that stays with you long after you stop playing.”
    • “One of my favorite games of all time, and not only because of the gameplay or stunning pixel art visuals; the soundtrack is just incredible.”
    • “The music, atmosphere, monsters, art, and vibe are done with care and effort.”
    • “If the game had more charm, it might make up for the lackluster gameplay, but everything is so bland - from the music, the visuals, the dome, the miner, the monsters, and the mine - every part of the game is lacking in personality.”
    • “One thing to say to the devs is that the music is pretty chill but it randomly fades away and stops playing for minutes.”
    • “The soundtrack isn’t anything to write home about but overall nice, satisfying sound design.”
  • graphics
    563 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Dome Keeper" have received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its charming pixel art style and atmospheric visuals that evoke a nostalgic feel. While some praise the game's minimalist design and effective use of color palettes, others criticize the lack of detail and variety in the graphics, describing them as simplistic or even bland. Overall, the art style is seen as a significant aspect of the game, contributing to its unique atmosphere, though opinions vary on its execution and depth.

    • “The art style is one of the game's major advantages; the whole game is visually very attractive, and the pixel art, which is really well done, is used to depict different alien life forms and the environments of the various planets.”
    • “Everything is clear during action-heavy moments, which is crucial for this type of game, and the overall aesthetic fits the lonely, hostile atmosphere perfectly.”
    • “The pixel art style is charming yet functional, with clear visual cues that make it easy to track enemies, resources, and upgrades even during the hectic defense waves.”
    • “A lot of people are saying this game looks incredible, and yes it looks good, but it's a mostly static map filled with mobs that are simply silhouettes with eyes; there isn't exactly a high level of detail to it for pixel graphics.”
    • “If the game had more charm, it might make up for the lackluster gameplay, but everything is so bland - from the music, the visuals, the dome, the miner, the monsters, and the mine - every part of the game is lacking in personality.”
    • “There's not much graphical variety; layers of the map are just different colors, and all enemies are completely black.”
  • replayability
    454 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players praising its high replay value due to various unlockable content, challenge modes, and frequent updates that introduce new mechanics and strategies. However, some reviewers express concerns about potential repetitiveness after extended play, suggesting that while the game offers a solid experience initially, it may lack long-term engagement for some players. Overall, the consensus leans towards a strong replayability factor, especially with the promise of future content and updates.

    • “While it is just a simple dig and defend game, it offers endless replayability.”
    • “The gameplay is simple, but the addition of various skill trees, gadgets, and game modes, plus procedurally generated levels, adds a lot of replay value.”
    • “The replayability is off the charts, with several different game modes and features to be unlocked as you keep playing.”
    • “It seems to be marketed as replayable, but I can't imagine anybody replaying this whenever there are no meaningful rewards for doing so.”
    • “The main killer for replayability is that the unlocks aren't exactly game-changers; nothing really makes you approach the game from a different angle, so things get repetitive.”
    • “Two runs and I was done with the game; couldn't find sufficient replayability even if everything is random and add-ons to your dome are specific to each run.”
  • story
    244 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its complete lack of narrative or progression, with many players expressing disappointment over the absence of a compelling storyline or character development. While some enjoy the gameplay mechanics and challenge missions, they feel that the repetitive nature and absence of a cohesive plot make the experience feel directionless and shallow. Overall, the consensus is that the game would greatly benefit from the addition of a story mode or more engaging narrative elements to enhance player investment.

    • “Incredible, an addictive pixel game that does a flawless job of expressing the game's mood, story, and gameplay.”
    • “The story is simple: you are some sort of mining astronaut.”
    • “It also has many unlocks and a small and simple but nice story where you crashed on an alien planet and have to survive and get back home.”
    • “There is no storyline or explanation why anything is happening, only a randomly generated map to dig out.”
    • “There’s no narrative or plot to pull you in or give you a sense of purpose, which makes the game feel a little directionless after a while.”
    • “Nothing to work towards, no more unlockables, no story to progress to see the end of, just simply playing the game for the sake of it.”
  • atmosphere
    173 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and captivating qualities, enhanced by a moody soundtrack and striking pixel art. Reviewers highlight the effective blend of tension and relaxation, creating a unique experience that draws players into a mysterious alien world. Overall, the sound design and visual aesthetics contribute significantly to the game's charm, making it a standout title for those who appreciate atmospheric gameplay.

    • “The atmosphere is thick with tension, perfectly elevated by moody and immersive music that stays with you long after you stop playing.”
    • “The art direction and sound design are great; while both are minimalistic, they create an atmosphere perfect for a mysterious alien world.”
    • “The combination of stunning visuals and immersive soundscapes creates a deeply engaging atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere was a classic science fiction one created with extremely limited graphic and sound resources.”
    • “Although the atmosphere suggests some peace and quiet, there truly is no break for the player - every detail matters.”
    • “The well-crafted pixel art and moody soundtrack, though, create an eerie atmosphere that makes the game stand out.”
  • grinding
    164 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly in survival mode where the lack of meaningful rewards exacerbates the grind. While some appreciate the challenge and creativity in gameplay, others feel that the constant back-and-forth between mining and combat becomes monotonous, leading to frustration and a lack of motivation to continue. Overall, the game is seen as enjoyable for those who appreciate grind-heavy experiences, but it may not appeal to players seeking a more varied or rewarding gameplay loop.

    • “Challenging (but not tedious).”
    • “It just feels good to play, and the achievements aren't tedious to get like in some games.”
    • “It isn't tedious if you're tired and listening to a podcast.”
    • “That said, the game can become a bit grindy over time, especially in survival mode.”
    • “The core gameplay loop of entering mines, digging to hopefully find resources, tediously hauling these resources back to your dome, and then defending your dome from attacks about every minute gets boring extremely quickly.”
    • “The game gets pretty boring very quickly and I felt no real motivation to continue grinding out more missions.”
  • optimization
    40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is a mixed bag, with some players experiencing significant performance issues like stuttering and crashes, particularly on lower-end PCs. However, many users praise the developers for their responsiveness to bugs and the overall smooth performance on higher-end devices, including the Steam Deck and M1 Macs. While the game offers a solid gameplay loop focused on optimization, some players find it lacks depth over time, leading to a repetitive experience despite its initial appeal.

    • “Thanks to the developers' attention to detail, the game is also well optimized; they constantly respond to discussions, promptly fix bugs, and strive to balance it.”
    • “One of those rare games where every playthrough I learn about tiny optimizations that make me better and better at the game.”
    • “Gameplay loop and upgrade system is fun and well optimized.”
    • “Recently, however, the game's performance has tanked to the point of being incredibly unpleasant to play.”
    • “Crippled balance, poor optimization.”
    • “I know that it is still in beta, but v4 does have some performance issues. I'm sure that it's not an issue on high-end devices, but my potato's struggling a lot when I'm on the public beta release (from what I can tell, the deeper into the caves I go, the lower my fps gets).”
  • humor
    31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its funny mechanics, quirky characters, and amusing scenarios, such as defending a "funny dome" against bizarre creatures. Many reviews note the game's lighthearted tone and comedic elements, making it an enjoyable experience, though some feel it may lack long-term engagement. Overall, the humor is a significant draw, contributing to the game's charm and appeal.

    • “Its a funny little game with a funny little guy in a glass dome mining in a funny little mine and fighting not-so-funny creatures of the night that are beyond comprehension. 10/10”
    • “Gravity is a cruel and hilarious enemy.”
    • “Very funny, well balanced, good sound design, and a very good minimalist narrative.”
  • stability
    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game is mixed, with many players reporting smooth performance and minimal glitches, particularly on platforms like Steam Deck and Linux. However, some users have encountered significant issues, including game-breaking glitches and freezing, especially during specific gameplay moments. Overall, while the game is enjoyable and runs well for many, there are notable stability concerns that could affect the experience for some players.

    • “One of the best games, and there are no glitches or bugs; it's just smooth. Yeah, in the beginning, it feels a little boring, but then boom, it's a great game.”
    • “Fun little mining game with an interesting world and setup, and it's pretty much bug-free for my time with it, so a big thank you to the devs for that.”
    • “The game currently isn't deck verified, but I've only played it on my Steam Deck so far, and it runs great without any issues.”
    • “I've tried troubleshooting it and nothing works.”
    • “I have changed nothing on my computer and have gone through all the troubleshooting and talked to their tech support, and all I got was an 'oh well.'”
    • “Repeatedly freezes on Steam Deck.”
  • emotional
    13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players express a mix of emotional engagement and detachment in their experiences with the game. While some appreciate the urgency and attachment to the game's mechanics, likening their connection to the dome to a heartfelt bond, others note the absence of narrative depth, which may limit emotional resonance. Overall, the game's atmosphere and sound design evoke strong feelings, contributing to a unique emotional experience despite its arcade-style gameplay.

    • “I downloaded Dome Keeper thinking, 'Oh cool, a little mining game with some tower defense sprinkled in.' What I didn’t expect was to spiral into a pixelated fever dream where I became emotionally attached to a dome.”
    • “You can get a pet cat that does absolutely nothing but is there for emotional support as you witness your whole dome being destroyed by the upcoming wave you completely forgot about while you were down in the mines...”
    • “The atmosphere is great and the sound design is so gorgeous that I want to cry.”
  • monetization
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization strategy of the game primarily relies on microtransactions for in-game purchases, which some players liken to typical mobile game practices. Despite concerns about potential cash grabs, many users appreciate the game's engaging mechanics and feel that it offers value, especially given its enjoyable gameplay and regular updates.

    • “This is like those fake ads for mobile games where we collect and grind resources.”
    • “I've seen many games release early before for a quick cash grab, promising updates, and then barely any updates come.”
    • “Microtransactions - in-game purchases.”
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9h Median play time
29h Average play time
5-33h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 73 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Dome Keeper is a survival role playing game with science fiction theme.

Dome Keeper is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Web Browser, Mac OS and others.

On average players spend around 29 hours playing Dome Keeper.

Dome Keeper was released on September 27, 2022.

Dome Keeper was developed by Bippinbits.

Dome Keeper has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its story.

Dome Keeper is a single player game.

Similar games include Wall World, Core Keeper, Thronefall, Super Fantasy Kingdom, The Last Spell and others.